Notification of O-RU Power Saving Information

Abstract

In the present invention, a radio access network control device controls an O-RAN which includes an O-RU as a radio unit, and comprises at least one processor that causes a power saving information notification unit to notify the O-RU of power saving information relating to a power saving mode supported by the O-RU. The at least one processor uses a power saving mode switching unit to switch the O-RU to the power saving mode supported by the O-RU, and uses a communication function reconfiguration unit to reconfigure a communication function of the O-RU in accordance with the switched power saving mode. The radio access network control device is provided to at least one of Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC), Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC), O-CU, and O-DU (fig. 4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to notification of power saving information of an O-RU in O-RAN.

Background Art

[0002] For the purpose of so-called openization of a radio access network (RAN) in a mobile communication system or a mobile communication system, studies such as "Open RAN", "O-RAN", and "vRAN" are being advanced. In this specification, "O-RAN" is used as a term comprehensively representing such various "open radio access networks". Therefore, "O-RAN" in this specification is not limitedly interpreted as the same-name standard or specification formulated by the O-RAN Alliance.

[0003] A radio unit (RU) in O-RAN is called an O-RU and provides a communication cell for a communication device (UE: User Equipment). The O-RU is controlled by a RAN node composed of an O-CU which is a centralized unit (CU: Central Unit) and / or an O-DU which is a distributed unit (DU: Distributed Unit). Further, the RAN node is controlled by a higher-level controller such as a Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) and / or a Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller). In O-RAN, a virtualization infrastructure also called an O-Cloud that virtually manages a set of a plurality of RAN nodes is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional O-RAN, a mechanism for managing the power consumption in the O-RU has not been sufficiently defined.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a radio access network control device or the like that can effectively manage the power consumption in the O-RU.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a radio access network control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a radio access network control device that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, and causes a power saving information notification unit to notify the O-RU of power saving information regarding a power saving mode that the O-RU can support. It includes at least one processor that executes the above.

[0008] According to this aspect, based on the power saving information regarding the power saving mode that can be supported notified from the O-RU, the power consumption in the O-RU can be effectively managed.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a radio access network control method. This method is a radio access network control method for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, and includes notifying the O-RU of power saving information regarding a power saving mode that the O-RU can support.

[0010] Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium. This storage medium stores a radio access network control program for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, and causes a computer to execute notifying the O-RU of power saving information regarding a power saving mode that the O-RU can support.

[0011] In addition, any combination of the above components, or those obtained by converting these expressions into methods, apparatuses, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also included in the present disclosure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the power consumption in the O-RU can be effectively managed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in accordance with "O-RAN", which is a standard and specification formulated by the O-RAN Alliance. For this reason, in this embodiment, well-known terms defined in "O-RAN" are used for convenience, but the technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to other existing radio access networks such as "Open RAN" and "vRAN", and the same type of radio access networks that may be developed in the future.

[0015] FIG. 1 schematically shows an overview of a radio access network control device according to this embodiment. This radio access network control device is a RAN control device that controls a radio access network compliant with O-RAN. SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) controls the entire RAN control device or the entire O-RAN to cause each part to operate in cooperation. SMO includes a Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) that functions as an overall control processor responsible for overall control. The Non-RT RIC with a relatively long control period (for example, 1 second or more) issues guidelines, policies, guidance, etc. regarding the operation of each RAN node (O-CU and / or O-DU described later). Specifically, the Non-RT RIC executes application software called rApp and issues operation guidelines for each RAN node to the Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) through the A1 interface. The Near-RT RIC with a relatively short control period (for example, less than 1 second) executes application software called xApp and controls general-purpose hardware, etc. in each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) itself and the radio unit (O-RU) connected to each RAN node through the E2 interface.

[0016] The illustrated RAN node includes an O-CU which is a Central Unit (CU) compliant with O-RAN, and / or an O-DU which is a Distributed Unit (DU) compliant with O-RAN. Both the O-CU and the O-DU are responsible for baseband processing in O-RAN. The O-CU is provided on the core network side (not shown), and the O-DU is provided on the side of an O-RU which is a Radio Unit (RU) compliant with O-RAN. The O-CU may be divided into an O-CU-CP that constitutes a Control Plane (CP) and an O-CU-UP that constitutes a User Plane (UP). Note that the O-CU and the O-DU may be integrally configured as one baseband processing unit. Also, as a RAN node, an O-eNB as a base station compliant with O-RAN and the 4th generation mobile communication system (4G) may be provided. One or more O-RUs are connected to each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU), and each RAN node is controlled by a Near-RT RIC via the RAN node. Communication devices (UE: User Equipment) within the communication cells provided by each O-RU can be connected to the respective O-RUs and perform mobile communication with a core network (not shown) via each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU).

[0017] Each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) and the Near-RT RIC provide operation data, etc. of each RAN node, each O-RU, and each UE to the SMO for so-called FCAPS (Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, Security) through the O1 interface. Based on the operation data obtained through the O1 interface, the SMO updates, as necessary, the operation guidelines of each RAN node issued by the Non-RT RIC to the Near-RT RIC through the A1 interface. Note that the O-RU may be connected to the SMO and FCAPS through the O1 interface or other interfaces (such as the Open Fronthaul M-Plane).

[0018] As a virtualization infrastructure that virtually manages a set of multiple RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU), O-Cloud is connected to the SMO via the O2 interface. Based on the operating status of the multiple RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU) obtained from the O-Cloud through the O2 interface, the SMO generates resource allocation guidelines regarding the resource allocation of the multiple RAN nodes and workload management guidelines regarding workload management, and issues them to the O-Cloud through the O2 interface.

[0019] Figure 2 schematically shows various functions realized by the SMO and / or Non-RT RIC and the O-Cloud. In the SMO, mainly three functions of FOCOM (Federated O-Cloud Orchestration and Management), NFO (Network Function Orchestrator), and OAM Function are realized. In the O-Cloud, mainly two functions of IMS (Infrastructure Management Services) and DMS (Deployment Management Services) are realized.

[0020] FOCOM manages the resources in O-Cloud while receiving service provisions from the IMS of O-Cloud through the O2 interface (O2ims). NFO realizes the coordinated operation of a set of network functions (NFs) through multiple NF Deployments in O-Cloud while receiving service provisions from the DMS of O-Cloud through the O2 interface (O2dms). NFO may utilize the OAM Function to access the deployed NFs through the O1 interface. The OAM Function is responsible for the FCAPS management of O-RAN managed entities such as RAN nodes. The OAM Function in this embodiment can be a functional block that provides a callback for receiving data regarding the failures and operating status of multiple RAN nodes virtually managed by O-Cloud by monitoring the procedures or steps of O2ims and / or O2dms. The IMS is responsible for the management of the resources (hardware) of O-Cloud and the software used to manage them, and mainly provides services to FOCOM of SMO. The DMS is responsible for the management of multiple NF Deployments in O-Cloud, specifically starting, monitoring, ending, etc., and mainly provides services to NFO of SMO.

[0021] Figure 3 schematically shows the internal configuration and / or functions of SMO and / or Non-RT RIC. The SMO or SMO Framework includes the Non-RT RIC. The interior of the Non-RT RIC is divided into the Non-RT Framework or Non-RT RIC Framework and the rApp. The solid lines in this figure represent the functional blocks and connections defined in O-RAN. Also, the dashed lines in this figure represent the functional blocks and connections that can be implemented in this embodiment.

[0022] In the area of the SMO framework excluding Non-RT RIC, there are provided an O1 termination, O1 related functions, an O2 termination, O2 related functions, and other SMO framework functions. The O1 termination is the termination of the O1 interface in the SMO framework. As also shown in FIG. 1, a Near-RT RIC and / or an E2 node (such as a RAN node like O-CU / O-DU or O-RU) is connected to the O1 termination via the O1 interface. The O1 related functions directly connected to the O1 termination provide various functions related to the O1 interface, Near-RT RIC, E2 node, etc. The O2 termination is the termination of the O2 interface in the SMO framework. As also shown in FIG. 1, an O-Cloud is connected to the O2 termination via the O2 interface. The O2 related functions directly connected to the O2 termination provide various functions related to the O2 interface, O-Cloud, etc. Other SMO framework functions provide functions other than the O1 related functions and O2 related functions. The other SMO framework functions are connected via an A2 termination and an A2 interface described later in the Non-RT RIC. Various functions of the SMO framework such as O1 related functions, O2 related functions, and other SMO framework functions are connected to a main bus MB that also extends inside the Non-RT RIC. These function blocks can exchange data with other function blocks inside and outside the SMO framework (or inside and outside the Non-RT RIC) through the main bus MB.

[0023] In the Non-RT Framework, which is the area of the Non-RT RIC excluding the rApp, there are provided an A1 Termination, A1 Related Functions, an A2 Termination, A2 Related Functions, an R1 Termination, R1 Service Exposure Functions, External Terminations, Data Management & Exposure Functions, AI / ML Workflow Functions, and Other Non-RT RIC Framework Functions.

[0024] The A1 Termination is the termination of the A1 interface in the Non-RT Framework. As also shown in Figure 1, the Near-RT RIC is connected to the A1 Termination via the A1 interface. The A1 Related Functions directly connected to the A1 Termination provide various functions related to the A1 interface, the Near-RT RIC, etc. The A2 Termination is the termination of the A2 interface in the Non-RT Framework. Other SMO Framework Functions of the SMO Framework are connected to the A2 Termination via the A2 interface. The A2 Related Functions directly connected to the A2 Termination provide various functions related to the A2 interface, other SMO Framework Functions, etc.

[0025] The R1 terminal is the terminal of the R1 interface in the Non-RT framework. An rApp running on the Non-RT RIC is connected to the R1 terminal via the R1 interface. That is, the R1 interface constitutes the API (Application Programming Interface) of the rApp. The R1 service disclosure function provided along with the R1 terminal is a function that discloses data related to services such as the R1 interface and rApp to the main bus MB, etc., and / or a function that discloses data from the main bus MB, etc. to the R1 terminal, etc. for services such as the R1 interface and rApp. The external terminal is the terminal of various external interfaces (not shown) in the Non-RT framework.

[0026] The data management / disclosure function provides a function of managing various data on the main bus MB and disclosing it in a manner corresponding to the access rights of each functional block. The artificial intelligence / machine learning workflow function provides a function of managing workflows executed using the artificial intelligence (AI: Artificial Intelligence) and / or machine learning (ML: Machine Learning) capabilities implemented in the Non-RT RIC and / or Near RT RIC. Other Non-RT RIC framework functions provide other functions other than the above various Non-RT framework functions. Various functions of the Non-RT framework, such as the A1-related function, A2-related function, R1 terminal, R1 service disclosure function, external terminal, data management / disclosure function, artificial intelligence / machine learning workflow function, and other Non-RT RIC framework functions, are connected to the main bus MB that also extends outside the Non-RT RIC. These functional blocks can exchange data with other functional blocks inside and outside the Non-RT RIC through the main bus MB.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the radio access network control device 1 according to the present embodiment. The radio access network control device 1 includes a power saving information notification unit 11, a power saving mode switching unit 12, and a communication function reconfiguration unit 13. These functional blocks are realized by the cooperation of hardware resources such as a processor such as a central processing unit of a computer, a memory, an input device, an output device, and peripheral devices connected to the computer, and software executed using them. Regardless of the type and installation location of the computer, each of the above functional blocks may be realized by the hardware resources of a single computer, or may be realized by combining the hardware resources distributed among a plurality of computers. In particular, in the present embodiment, part or all of the functional blocks of the radio access network control device 1 may be realized distributively or centrally by a computer or a processor provided in any part of the O-RAN such as an RAN node, an O-Cloud, etc. constituted by an SMO, a Non-RT RIC, a Near-RT RIC, an O-CU, and / or an O-DU, or may be realized distributively or centrally by a computer or a processor communicable with the O-RAN provided outside the O-RAN. Note that in FIG. 4, the radio access network control device 1 and the O-RU are shown separately for convenience, but part or all of the functional blocks of the radio access network control device 1 may be realized distributively or centrally by a computer or a processor provided in the O-RU.

[0028] The power saving information notification unit 11 causes the O-RU to notify power saving information regarding one or more power saving modes that the O-RU can support. Specifically, the power saving information notification unit 11 notifies power saving information from the O-RU to at least one of an SMO, a Near-RT RIC, an O-CU, and an O-DU through an O1 interface, an Open Fronthaul M-Plane, an Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane, or the like. The power saving information notification unit 11 may be provided in the O-RU and actively notify power saving information to an SMO or the like outside the O-RU, or may be provided outside the O-RU and passively cause the O-RU to notify power saving information to an SMO or the like outside the O-RU.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the power saving mode of the O-RU included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notification unit 11. Five power saving levels (Sleep Level) or power saving modes (SM: Sleep Mode) SM1-SM5 are exemplarily shown in FIG. 5. The number of power saving modes is arbitrary, and the content and parameters of each power saving mode detailed below are also arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the power saving level gradually increases from the first power saving mode SM1 with the lowest power saving level to the fifth power saving mode SM5 with the highest power saving level. Each of the power saving modes SM1-SM5 includes a first transition time (Deactivation Duration) to each power saving mode, a second transition time (Activation Duration) from each power saving mode, a minimum duration (Minimum Sleep Duration) of each power saving mode, power saving options or reconfiguration options (Reconfiguration Options) in each power saving mode, and the power consumption (Power Consumption) of the O-RU in each power saving mode.

[0030] The first transition time (Deactivation Duration) is the time required to transition each O-RU from the normal mode or other power saving modes to each power saving mode. The second transition time (Activation Duration) is the time required to transition each O-RU from each power saving mode to the normal mode or other power saving modes. The minimum duration (Minimum Sleep Duration) is the minimum time for which each O-RU is maintained in each power saving mode, for example, the minimum duration of the communication function of each O-RU reconfigured by the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 described below according to each power saving mode. For example, the O-RU switched to the first power saving mode SM1 by the power saving mode switching unit 12 transitions from the normal mode or the like to the first power saving mode SM1 during the first transition time of "35.5 μs", and is maintained in the first power saving mode SM1 for at least the minimum duration of "71 μs", and then transitions or returns from the first power saving mode SM1 to the normal mode or the like during the second transition time of "35.5 μs".

[0031] In the second power-saving mode SM2, the first transition time and the second transition time are "0.5 ms", and the minimum duration is "1 ms". In the third power-saving mode SM3, the first transition time and the second transition time are "5 ms", and the minimum duration is "10 ms". In the fourth power-saving mode SM4, the first transition time and the second transition time are "0.5 s", and the minimum duration is "1 s". In the fifth power-saving mode SM5, the first transition time and the second transition time are any time greater than or equal to "0.5 s", and the minimum duration is any time greater than or equal to "1 s".

[0032] As described above, it is preferable that the first transition time and the second transition time in each power-saving mode are equal to each other, and their sum is equal to the minimum duration. Also, the minimum duration in each power-saving mode is preferably an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of a frame, a sub-frame, a slot, and a symbol that the O-RU can communicate with. In particular, in the illustrated example, the minimum duration in some power-saving modes is the same as the duration of at least one of a frame, a sub-frame, a slot, and a symbol. Specifically, the minimum duration of "10 ms" in the third power-saving mode SM3 is the same as the duration of a frame in 5G or the like. Also, the minimum duration of "1 ms" in the second power-saving mode SM2 is the same as the duration of a sub-frame in 5G or the like. Further, the minimum duration of "71 μs" in the first power-saving mode SM1 is the same as the duration of a symbol (when one sub-frame is composed of one slot including 14 OFDM symbols) in 5G or the like.

[0033] In 5G, depending on the subcarrier spacing set in the network, one slot (when the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz), two slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz), four slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz), eight slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 120 kHz), or sixteen slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz) are included in one subframe. Therefore, depending on the subcarrier spacing, the slot duration is "1 ms" (subcarrier spacing 15 kHz), "0.5 ms" (subcarrier spacing 30 kHz), "0.25 ms" (subcarrier spacing 60 kHz), "0.125 ms" (subcarrier spacing 120 kHz), and "0.0625 ms" (subcarrier spacing 240 kHz). The duration of these slots and their integer multiples may be set as the minimum duration in the power saving mode.

[0034] Also, each slot includes 14 OFDM symbols regardless of the subcarrier spacing. Therefore, depending on the subcarrier spacing, the symbol duration is "71 μs" (subcarrier spacing 15 kHz), "36 μs" (subcarrier spacing 30 kHz), "18 μs" (subcarrier spacing 60 kHz), "9 μs" (subcarrier spacing 120 kHz), and "4 μs" (subcarrier spacing 240 kHz). The duration of these symbols and their integer multiples may be set as the minimum duration in the power saving mode.

[0035] Power Saving Options or Reconfiguration Options are options for power saving or reconfiguration of each O-RU in each power saving mode. In the illustrated example for the first power saving mode SM1, four options, namely "Entirely off", "Partly off", "HW reconfiguration", and "SW reconfiguration", are exemplarily shown. Although the illustration is omitted, similar options can be set for the other power saving modes SM2 - SM5.

[0036] In the power saving option of "Entirely off", the power consumption of the O-RU is reduced by cutting off the power to all components and / or all communication functions of the O-RU targeted for power saving. In the power saving option of "Partly off", the power consumption of the O-RU is reduced by cutting off the power to some components and / or some communication functions of the O-RU targeted for power saving. Thus, the presence or absence of the power saving options of "Entirely off" and "Partly off" indicates whether the communication functions of the O-RU in the power saving mode can be disabled.

[0037] Here, all or part of the components whose power is cut off or reduced in the "Entirely off" mode or "Partly off" mode only need to contribute to power saving in the O-RU when switched to the off state. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, hardware components in the O-RU, software components in the O-RU, specific frequency bands and / or specific carriers (carrier waves) available by the O-RU.

[0038] When a specific frequency band and / or a specific carrier are switched to the off state by a Non-RT RIC or the like, the use of such "off frequency bands" and / or "off carriers" by the O-RU is prohibited or restricted (or induced to refrain from use as much as possible). In this case, the hardware components and / or software components in the O-RU are basically maintained in the on state in order to continue communication processing related to "on frequency bands" and / or "on carriers" other than the "off frequency bands" and / or "off carriers" (in other words, the M-Plane, S-Plane, and C / U-Plane described later are all maintained in the active state). However, as the frequency band and / or carrier to be processed by communication decreases, the traffic volume and communication speed decrease (or the power consumption of the O-RU decreases because the hardware components and / or software components dedicated to the "off frequency bands" and / or "off carriers" are switched to the off state).

[0039] On the other hand, in the "entirely off" mode or "partially off" mode, when the hardware components and / or software components in the O-RU are switched to the off state by the Non-RT RIC and / or O-DU or the like, the power supply to the components is substantially cut off. However, even in such a case, it is preferable to supply the minimum power necessary to maintain the management plane (M-Plane) function of the components in the on state (active state). By maintaining the M-Plane in the active state, when the off-state components are switched back to the on state, the synchronization plane (S-Plane) function and the control / user plane (C / U-Plane) function can be quickly restarted based on the management information held by the M-Plane, and the components can be quickly restored to the communicable state.

[0040] In addition, when a hardware component and / or a software component in the O-RU is switched to the off state, the S-Plane function may be maintained in the active state in addition to the M-Plane function of the component. By maintaining the S-Plane in the active state, synchronization information regarding clocks, etc. between O-RUs and / or between the O-RU and the O-DU is retained, so that the synchronization establishment process after the component is switched back to the on state becomes unnecessary. Thus, although additional power is required to additionally maintain the S-Plane in the active state, the component switched from the off state back to the on state can be restored to the communicable state more quickly.

[0041] As described above, by switching the hardware component and / or the software component to the off state, the power consumption of the O-RU can be significantly reduced. On the other hand, additional processing and time are required when switching the component back to the on state. In contrast, in the option of switching a specific frequency band and / or a specific carrier to the off state, since the hardware component and / or the software component are maintained in the on state, although the power saving amount of the O-RU is reduced, the communicable state of the O-RU can be maintained seamlessly. In view of such a trade-off, for example, when transitioning from the normal mode to the (first) power saving mode, an option of switching a specific frequency band and / or a specific carrier to the off state may be executed to maintain the O-RU in the communicable state. And when further power saving is required or when it is okay to temporarily release the communicable state of the O-RU, an option of switching the hardware component and / or the software component to the off state may be executed to maximize the power saving amount of the O-RU. By adopting such a step-by-step approach, the power saving mode can be executed in an appropriate manner according to the situation.

[0042] In the power-saving option of "hardware reconfiguration" (HW reconfiguration), the power consumption of the O-RU targeted for power saving is reduced by reconfiguring the hardware of the O-RU. For example, when the O-RU includes an integrated circuit with reconfigurable hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a reconfigurable processor, by switching to a hardware configuration with lower processing performance but lower power consumption than the normal mode, etc., the power consumption of the O-RU can be reduced. In the power-saving option of "software reconfiguration" (SW reconfiguration), the power consumption of the O-RU targeted for power saving is reduced by reconfiguring the software executed by the O-RU. For example, by rewriting to software that can execute the same processing as the normal mode, etc. with less power consumption while reducing the processing speed, etc., the power consumption of the O-RU can be reduced.

[0043] As described above, when a plurality of power-saving options are included in one power-saving mode, the aforementioned first transition time, second transition time, minimum duration, and the power consumption described below may be provided for each power-saving option. Alternatively, a power-saving mode may be provided for each power-saving option.

[0044] The power consumption (Power Consumption) is the power consumption of the O-RU in each power-saving mode. In the illustrated example, for the first power-saving mode SM1, "Total power consumption of the entire O-RU" (Total: XXX Watts), "Power consumption of component A" (Component A: xxx Watts), "Power consumption of component B" (Component B: yyy Watts), and "Power consumption of component C" (Component C: zzz Watts) are exemplarily shown. The "Total power consumption of the entire O-RU" is equal to the sum of the "Power consumption of component A", "Power consumption of component B", and "Power consumption of component C". Although the illustration is omitted, the same power consumption is input for the other power-saving modes SM2 - SM5.

[0045] The power consumption of the entire O-RU to be power-saving, each component of the O-RU, and / or each communication function is, for example, statistical data based on simulations or measurements during past actual operation. In addition to or instead of the power consumption of the O-RU during the power-saving mode as in this example, the power consumption during the transition of the O-RU from another mode to the power-saving mode (the first transition time) and / or the power consumption during the transition of the O-RU from the power-saving mode to another mode (the second transition time: strictly speaking, from when the O-RU receives a restart command from the O-DU or the like until a communicable carrier is established) may be included in the power-saving information notified by the power-saving information notification unit 11. Also, the power consumption of the O-RU during the normal mode, which is not the power-saving mode, may be included in the power-saving information notified by the power-saving information notification unit 11 for comparison with the power consumption of the O-RU during the power-saving mode.

[0046] Note that, as will be described later, when the O-RU is switched to a certain power-saving mode by the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13, the power consumption of the entire O-RU, each component, and each communication function may be measured in real time by the O-RU or the radio access network control device 1. These real-time measurement data of the power consumption are shared with the radio access network control device 1 via the power-saving information notification unit 11 or the like and compared with the statistical data of the power consumption in the corresponding power-saving mode in FIG. 5. If there is a significant deviation between these real-time measurement data and the statistical data, since the statistical data considered when the power-saving mode was selected may be unreliable, the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 may abort the power-saving mode.

[0047] The various power-saving information of the O-RU as described above is typically notified to the radio access network control device 1 such as SMO through the O1 interface, Open Fronthaul M-Plane, Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane, etc. as described above. However, the power-saving information of the O-RU may be notified to the radio access network control device 1 through other interfaces. For example, the RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) that controls the O-RU may function as the power-saving information notification unit 11 and notify the power-saving information of the O-RU to be controlled to the SMO through the O1 interface, or notify it to the Near-RT RIC through the E2 interface. Furthermore, the Near-RT RIC may function as the power-saving information notification unit 11 and notify the power-saving information of the O-RU received through the E2 interface to the SMO through the O1 interface, or notify it to the Non-RT RIC through the A1 interface. Also, the O-Cloud that virtually manages the RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) may function as the power-saving information notification unit 11 and notify the power-saving information of the O-RU obtained by the RAN node to be managed to the SMO through the O2 interface.

[0048] When the O-Cloud functions as the power-saving information notification unit 11, it is preferable to notify the power-saving information of the O-RU to the SMO through the O2dms interface in FIG. 2. In this case, the SMO (NFO) may obtain the power-saving information of the O-RU from the DMS of the O-Cloud through various O2dms inquiries (Query O2dms) to the DMS of the O-Cloud through the O2dms interface specifically exemplified below.

[0049] According to the first O2dms inquiry "Query O2dms_Deployment Inventory related Services", the SMO's NFO can obtain information regarding the inventory details of various NF Deployments that may include the power-saving information of the O-RU from the DMS of the O-Cloud through the O2 interface (O2dms).

[0050] According to the second O2dms query "Query O2dms_Deployment Monitoring related Services", the SMO's NFO can obtain information regarding the telemetry reports of each NF Deployment that may include the power saving information of the O-RU from the O-Cloud's DMS through the O2 interface (O2dms).

[0051] According to the third O2dms query "Query O2dms_InfrastructureLifecycleManagement Services", the SMO's NFO can obtain information regarding the procedure support for the automation of the lifecycle events of the NF Deployment that may include the power saving information of the O-RU from the O-Cloud's DMS through the O2 interface (O2dms).

[0052] The power saving mode switching unit 12 switches the O-RU to the power saving mode that the O-RU notified by the power saving information notification unit 11 can support, and / or the power saving mode that the O-RU can support as pre-recognized by the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU, O-DU, O-Cloud, etc. where the power saving mode switching unit 12 is provided.

[0053] The communication function reconfiguration unit 13 provided in the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU, O-DU, O-Cloud, etc. reconfigures the communication function of the O-RU. As described above with respect to FIG. 5, examples of the options for reconfiguring the communication function of the O-RU include "entirely off", "partially off", "hardware reconfiguration", and "software reconfiguration". By selecting the reconfiguration option of "entirely off" or "partially off", the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 can disable all or part of the communication functions of at least one of the plurality of O-RUs. Conversely, by not selecting the reconfiguration option of "entirely off" or "partially off", the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 can enable all or part of the communication functions of at least one of the plurality of O-RUs. Note that the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 may reconfigure the communication function of the O-RU according to the reconfiguration option or power saving option (FIG. 5) corresponding to the power saving mode switched by the power saving mode switching unit 12, or may reconfigure the communication function of the O-RU independently of such switching of the power saving mode.

[0054] The power saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 execute the switching of the power saving mode of the O-RU and / or the reconfiguration of the communication function of the O-RU according to various criteria, artificial intelligence, and / or guidelines based on machine learning for optimizing the operation of the O-RU. In particular, in order to optimize or minimize the power consumption in the O-RU, among the (plural) power saving modes that can satisfy the communication demand in the O-RU, the one with the minimum power consumption ("Power Consumption" in FIG. 5) is selected by the power saving mode switching unit 12, and the reconfiguration option corresponding to the power saving mode ("Reconfiguration Options" in FIG. 5) is selected by the communication function reconfiguration unit 13.

[0055] The control of the O-RU by the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 as described above is typically executed by a Non-RT RIC, a Near-RT RIC, a RAN node (O-CU / O-DU), etc. connected by an A1 interface and an E2 interface. However, the control of the O-RU by the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 may be executed by other components of the O-RAN through other interfaces. For example, an SMO, a Non-RT RIC, a Near-RT RIC, a RAN node (O-CU / O-DU), etc. where the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 are provided may directly control the O-RU through an O1 interface, an Open Fronthaul M-Plane, an Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane, etc. Further, an O-Cloud that virtually manages a RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) may function as the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 to indirectly control the O-RU for the RAN node to be managed.

[0056] When the O-Cloud functions as the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13, it is preferable that the NFO of the SMO provides control information for switching the power-saving mode of the O-RU and / or reconfiguring the communication function of the O-RU to the DMS of the O-Cloud through the O2dms interface in FIG. 2.

[0057] According to the present embodiment as described above, based on the power-saving information regarding the available power-saving modes notified from the O-RU by the power-saving information notification unit 11, the power consumption in the O-RU can be effectively managed. Also, according to the present embodiment, the communication function of the O-RU can be flexibly reconfigured by the communication function reconfiguration unit 13.

[0058] As described above, the present disclosure has been described based on embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for the combinations of each component and each process in the embodiments as examples, and such modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] Note that the configurations, operations, and functions of each device and each method described in the embodiments can be realized by hardware resources or software resources, or by the cooperation of hardware resources and software resources. As hardware resources, for example, a processor, ROM, RAM, and various integrated circuits can be used. As software resources, for example, programs such as an operating system and applications can be used.

[0060] The present disclosure may be expressed as follows.

[0061] Item 1: A radio access network control device that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, causing the power saving information notification unit to notify the O-RU of the power saving information regarding the power saving mode that the O-RU can support, A radio access network control device including at least one processor that executes the above. Item 2: The radio access network control device according to Item 1, wherein the power saving information includes a minimum duration of the power saving mode. Item 3: The radio access network control device according to Item 2, wherein the minimum duration is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of a frame, a subframe, a slot, and a symbol that the O-RU can communicate. Item 4: The radio access network control device according to Item 3, wherein the minimum duration is the same as the duration of at least one of the frame, the subframe, the slot, and the symbol. Item 5: The radio access network control device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the power saving information includes at least one of a first transition time to the power saving mode and a second transition time from the power saving mode. Item 6: The radio access network control device according to Item 5, wherein the first transition time and the second transition time are equal. Item 7: The power saving information includes the minimum duration of the power saving mode, and the sum of the first transition time and the second transition time is equal to the minimum duration. The radio access network control device according to item 5 or 6. Item 8: The power saving information includes the power consumption of the O-RU in the power saving mode, and the radio access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 7. Item 9: The power saving information includes whether the communication function of the O-RU in the power saving mode can be disabled, and the radio access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 8. Item 10: The radio access network control device according to item 9, wherein the disablability includes whether the frequencies available to the O-RU can be disabled. Item 11: The power saving information notification unit causes the O-RU to notify the power saving information regarding a plurality of the power saving modes that the O-RU can support, and the radio access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 10. Item 12: The power saving information notification unit notifies the power saving information to at least one of SMO (Service Management and Orchestration), Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), O-CU, and O-DU from the O-RU through the O1 interface and / or the Open Fronthaul M-Plane, and the radio access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 11. Item 13: The at least one processor executes switching the O-RU to the power saving mode by a power saving mode switching unit, and the radio access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 12. Item 14: The power-saving mode switching unit is provided in at least one of SMO (Service Management and Orchestration), Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), O-CU, and O-DU, and is the radio access network control device according to item 13. Item 15: The radio access network control device according to item 13 or 14, wherein the management plane function of the O-RU switched to the power-saving mode by the power-saving mode switching unit is maintained. Item 16: The radio access network control device according to item 15, wherein the synchronization plane function of the O-RU switched to the power-saving mode by the power-saving mode switching unit is maintained. Item 17: A radio access network control method for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, causing the O-RU to be notified of power-saving information regarding a power-saving mode that the O-RU can support; The radio access network control method comprising: Item 18: A radio access network control program for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, causing the O-RU to be notified of power-saving information regarding a power-saving mode that the O-RU can support; A storage medium storing a radio access network control program for causing a computer to execute. Item 19: A radio access network control device for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, reconfiguring the communication function of the O-RU by a communication function reconfiguration unit; The radio access network control device comprising at least one processor that executes: Item 20: The radio access network control device according to item 19, wherein the communication function reconfiguration unit disables the communication function of at least one of the plurality of O-RUs. Item 21: The radio access network control device according to item 19 or 20, wherein the communication function reconfiguration unit enables the communication function of at least one of the plurality of O-RUs. Item 22: The at least one processor executes switching the O-RU to a power saving mode that the O-RU can support, by a power saving mode switching unit, and the communication function reconfiguration unit reconfigures the communication function of the O-RU according to the switched power saving mode. The radio access network control device according to any one of items 19 to 21. Item 23: The at least one processor executes causing the O-RU to notify power saving information regarding the power saving mode, by a power saving information notification unit, and the power saving mode switching unit switches the O-RU to the power saving mode related to the power saving information. The radio access network control device according to item 22. Item 24: The radio access network control device according to item 22 or 23, wherein the power saving mode determines a minimum duration of the communication function of the O-RU reconfigured according to the power saving mode. Item 25: The radio access network control device according to item 24, wherein the minimum duration is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of a frame, a subframe, a slot, and a symbol that the O-RU can communicate. Item 26: The radio access network control device according to item 25, wherein the minimum duration is the same as the duration of at least one of the frame, the subframe, the slot, and the symbol. Item 27: The power-saving mode is the radio access network control device according to any one of items 22 to 26 that defines at least one of a first transition time to the power-saving mode and a second transition time from the power-saving mode. Item 28: The radio access network control device according to item 27, wherein the first transition time and the second transition time are equal. Item 29: The power-saving mode defines a minimum duration of the communication function of the O-RU reconfigured according to the power-saving mode, and the sum of the first transition time and the second transition time is equal to the minimum duration, The radio access network control device according to item 27 or 28. Item 30: The radio access network control device according to any one of items 22 to 29, wherein the power-saving mode switching unit switches the O-RU to a plurality of power-saving modes that the O-RU can support. Item 31: The radio access network control device according to any one of items 19 to 30, wherein the communication function reconfiguration unit is provided in at least one of SMO (Service Management and Orchestration), Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), O-CU, and O-DU. Item 32: A radio access network control method for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, reconfiguring the communication function of the O-RU, The radio access network control method comprising: Item 33: A radio access network control program for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, reconfiguring the communication function of the O-RU, A storage medium storing a radio access network control program for causing a computer to execute.

[0062] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-021185 filed on February 15, 2022, PCT International Application No. PCT / JP2022 / 028091 filed on July 19, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-119061 filed on July 26, 2022, and incorporates by reference the entire contents of these priority applications.

Industrial Applicability

[0063] This disclosure relates to the notification of power saving information of an O-RU in O-RAN.

Explanation of Signs

[0064] 1 Radio access network control device, 11 Power saving information notification unit, 12 Power saving mode switching unit, 13 Communication function reconfiguration unit.

Claims

1. A radio access network control device for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, causing a power saving information notification unit to notify the O-RU of power saving information regarding a power saving mode that the O-RU can support, A radio access network control device comprising at least one processor that executes the above.

2. The radio access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving information includes a minimum duration of the power saving mode.

3. The radio access network control device according to claim 2, wherein the minimum duration is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of a frame, a subframe, a slot, and a symbol that the O-RU can communicate with.

4. The radio access network control device according to claim 3, wherein the minimum duration is the same as the duration of at least one of the frame, the subframe, the slot, and the symbol.

5. The radio access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving information includes at least one of a first transition time to the power saving mode and a second transition time from the power saving mode.

6. The radio access network control device according to claim 5, wherein the first transition time and the second transition time are equal.

7. The power saving information includes a minimum duration of the power saving mode, The sum of the first transition time and the second transition time is equal to the minimum duration, The radio access network control device according to claim 5.

8. The radio access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving information includes a power consumption amount of the O-RU in the power saving mode.

9. The radio access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving information includes whether or not the communication function of the O-RU in the power saving mode can be disabled.

10. The radio access network control device according to claim 9, wherein the disablement possibility includes whether or not the frequencies available to the O-RU can be disabled.

11. The radio access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving information notification unit causes the O-RU to be notified of the power saving information regarding a plurality of the power saving modes that the O-RU can support.

12. The power-saving information notification unit notifies the power-saving information to at least one of SMO (Service Management and Orchestration), Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), O-CU, and O-DU from the O-RU through the O1 interface and / or the Open Fronthaul M-Plane. The radio access network control device according to claim 1.

13. The at least one processor executes switching the O-RU to the power-saving mode by a power-saving mode switching unit. The radio access network control device according to claim 1.

14. The power-saving mode switching unit is provided in at least one of SMO (Service Management and Orchestration), Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), O-CU, and O-DU. The radio access network control device according to claim 13.

15. The management plane function of the O-RU switched to the power-saving mode by the power-saving mode switching unit is maintained. The radio access network control device according to claim 13.

16. The synchronization plane function of the O-RU switched to the power-saving mode by the power-saving mode switching unit is maintained. The radio access network control device according to claim 15.

17. A radio access network control method for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, causing the O-RU to be notified of power-saving information regarding a power-saving mode that the O-RU can support, A radio access network control method comprising.

18. A radio access network control program for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, causing the O-RU to be notified of power-saving information regarding a power-saving mode that the O-RU can support, A storage medium storing a radio access network control program for causing a computer to execute.

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